Store Spotlights: SHRINE Haberdashers

Modern day Chi-Town dandies have found a haven at SHRINE Haberdashers. Opened last fall, the store is a true throwback to a finer era of men's accessories. We caught up with Erik Wallace, branding manager for the store, for a quick interview and digital tour.

The GQ Eye: Can you tell us a little about the store? When it opened, how it was conceived, what the owners wanted to achieve and why it's something different?

Erik Wallace: Shrine was opened in November of 2010, by Rafik in Chicago with the goal to bring quality luxury products with artisan craftsmanship to the men's fashion market. Shrine is different because we carry the best-made accessories the world has to offer and our products are rare, unique and unusual. Many of the products we sell can only be found at Shrine in the US or on Shrinestyle.com, worldwide.

We also wanted to bring the haberdashery concept back into the modern gent's life, with quality and heritage in mind. We believe that men are dressing again and are more conscious about the way they look.

More from Erik and SHRINE after the jump.

GQ: The art of the haberdasher's shop is unfortunately something that is harder and harder to find, do people come looking for you directly with specific things in mind or because they've heard you offer something they can't get elsewhere?

Wallace: We consider ourselves a haberdashery because we can outfit a guy with all the accessories he would need for any occasion. We are, in many cases, the only supplier for unusual brands like: Glenn, Francesco Maglia, Penrose London, Vangas pens, etc. With such exclusivity, we feel it's only natural to consider ourselves a haberdashery, a haven for exquisite men's products.

We also carry vintage cufflinks and watches as well as our own brand of ties and bow ties, and exceptional leather goods. We think the most important aspect is getting our customer to trust our curating process.

GQ: what are some of the products that you guys sell the most of and what are some of the shop's favorites?

Wallace: The Shrine house label bowties have been a huge hit this spring. We designed them to be a bit wider than the industry standard and a lot of guys are attracted to the three inch width. Our Stetson caps and Largomarsino straw hats, which are hand-woven in traditional Italian styles, are also popular.

Our personal favorite is the Shrine Duffle bag, which is a gorgeous piece. It is all vegetable dyed leather and everything, including the lining, is hand stitched in Florence Italy. Another pick are the incredible umbrellas from Francesco Maglia. The umbrella is often an overlooked accessory and people are struck by their beauty, craftsmanship, and durability.

GQ: What do you guys think is really working in men's style nowadays?

Wallace: We think men are comfortable nowadays to take a bit of risk in the way they present themselves to the world and they are seeking out heritage, quality and craftsmanship in their brands. The return of the suit as a staple in a man's wardrobe, regardless of career, couldn't make us any happier. Our belief is a suit makes a man look his best and with a great suit must come great accessories. That's where we step in. Paring a great tie, pocket square and cufflinks will elevate any suit, no matter the price point.

GQ: What are some must have items for the modern day dandy this summer?

Wallace: For the modern day dandy we recommend the grenadine and raw silk tie as the perfect summer necktie. Cotton or cotton-silk blended pocket squares are very dandy, especially if they are worn as neckerchiefs. A beautiful Italian leather briefcase will take the most dandy of outfits and make it ok for the business world. Lastly, Farina 1709 Eau du Cologne, it's the oldest cologne in the world. Because if you look dandy you should smell dandy!